1991 HONDA CIVIC oil

Warning and Indicator Lights (cont'd)
DX Sedan STD/DX Hatchback
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light will come on, and remain on, if there is
insufficient oil pressure or when the ignition switch is turned on
with the engine not running. If the light should come on while driving,
get the car off the road as soon as you can, turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (see page 75 ).
Even if the oil level is correct, the engine should be checked by aHonda dealer before the car is driven again.
NOTE:
The oil pressure warning light will only light as a result of low oil
pressure. It is not directly an oil level indicator.
CAUTION:
Running the engine while the oil pressure warning light is on
constantly may cause immediate and severe engine damage.

Charging System Warning Light

The charging system warning light comes on when there is a problemwith the electrical charging system
or when the ignition switch is turn-
ed on with the engine not running. If
the light comes on while driving, get off the road, stop the car and turn
off the ignition. Then check the
alternator belt for proper tension.
To check the belt tension, push with about 98 N (22 Ib) of force on
the middle of the belt as shown. The belt should deflect about: 9.0 — 11.0 mm (0.35 — 0.43 in)
If the engine has been running, some engine components may be
hot enough to burn you.
NOTE: If necessary, have the charging system checked by an authorized

Honda dealer.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Engine Exhaust Gas Warning
A properly maintained car is your best protection against exhaust
gas entering the passenger compartment.
The exhaust system should be thoroughly inspected by a compe-

tent mechanic whenever:
The car is raised for oil change.You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The exhaust system or the rear or underside of the car is

damaged.
Avoid breathing exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause loss of con-
sciousness and eventual death. If you suspect that exhaust gas is entering the passenger compartment, have the cause deter-mined and corrected as soon as possible. If you must driveunder these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. Do not drive with the hatch/trunk lid open. An open hatch/trunk
may draw exhaust gases into the passenger compartment. If
you must drive with the hatch/trunk open, drive only with all the
windows wide open. Do not run the engine in confined areas, such as garages, any
longer than necessary to move the car in or out.
If you must sit in a parked car with the engine running for more
than a short time, adjust the heating/ventilation system as
follows:
1.Set the function lever to the position.
2.Set the temperature control dial for best comfort. 3.Set the recirculation lever to the position.
4.Turn the fan to the highest speed.

NOTE:

To insure proper operation of the car's ventilation system, keep the

front air inlet clear of snow, mud, leaves or other obstructions.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Check the following items at each fuel stop:

1. Engine oil level.

2. Radiator coolant level.
Check the following items periodically: 1. Brakes: for braking efficiency, brake pedal travel and hydraulic
fluid level.

2. Lights: for operation of headlights, taillights, side marker lights, stoplights, turn signals and back-up lights.
3. Tires: for correct pressures (including spare); inspect for cuts and uneven or excessive wear. Rotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
in the pattern shown on page 97.
4. Steering: for excessive play or vibration while driving. 5. Exhaust system: for leaks or loose mounts.
6. Wipers: for operation of windshield wipers and washer, and condition of wiper blades.
7. Seat belts: for condition of fabric and buckles, and operation of the restraint mechanism.

8. Battery condition.

9. Clutch adjustment (clutch pedal free travel).

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Maintenance Schedule and Records (cont'd)
Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop.Under severe driving conditions, service these items twice as often. (See page 72)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Fluid Locations
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK ENGINE OILFILLER CAP
POWER STEERING
FLUID RESERVOIR
RADIATOR
CAP WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR CAP
RADIATOR RESERVE
TANK CAP BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIR
ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICKProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Engine Oil and Filter

Checking
Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting the engine
off, with the car parked on level ground. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-insert it all the way down, then pull it out and read
the level. The level should be between the upper and lower marks.

DIPSTICK
ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP

Adding
If the level has dropped close to the lower mark, add oil until it is
even with the upper mark.
1.Turn the oil filler cap counterclockwise to remove. Add oil, then check the level again. Do not overfill.
2. Reinstall the cap and twist clockwise until it stops.

CAUTION:
Be sure the oil filler cap is correctly replaced before starting the

engine.
Engine oil is a major factor affecting the performance and
service life of the engine, you should use only a premium quality
detergent oil labeled SG grade.
Some oil labels may also include additional designations of quality
such as CC or CD. However, these are acceptable only when used

together with SG.

LOOK FOR THIS LABEL ON THE

OIL CONTAINER
Use the proper viscosity oil for the
climate in which you drive:

Ambient Temperature

NOTE:

5W-30 viscosity oil is recommended for improved fuel economy.
(cont'd)

DIPSTICK

LOWER UPPERProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Engine Oil and Filter (cont'd)
Fuel Efficient Oil For the best fuel economy from your car, it is recommended that
you use a fuel efficient SG grade oil. This oil is usually identified by
the words such as: "Energy Conserving II," "Gas Saving," and "Fuel Saving," etc.
Changing Oil and Filter
Engine oil and filter should be changed together every 6 months or
7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first. The filter is located
on the engine block, below the intake manifold. A special "cap
type" oil filter wrench is required (available from your Honda dealer). Use only a genuine Honda filter or its equivalent.

CAUTION:

The oil filter cannot easily be removed from above the engine. For
this reason it is recommended that the oil filter change be done by a skilled mechanic.
1. Start the car to warm up the engine, then shut it off.
2. Remove the engine oil filler cap and drain bolt, and drain the oil.
A warmed-up engine and the oil in
it are hot; be careful not to burn yourself.
3. Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain out.
4. Install a new filter according to
the instructions on or with the

filter.

5. Reinstall the drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it securely.Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil, to the upper mark on

the dipstick.

ENGINE OIL CAPACITY (including filter):
3.5
(3.7 US qt, 3.1 Imp qt)

OIL FILTER

ENGINE OIL
DRAIN BOLTProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

6. Reinstall the filler cap securely.
7. Start the engine and make sure oil is not leaking from the drain
bolt or the filter.

8. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.
NOTE:Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with
the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to

your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the

trash or pour it on the ground.

CAUTION:

Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact
with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely
unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to
thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handling used oil.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t